England centre-back Harry Maguire has declared himself fit for his side's meeting with Scotland on Friday evening.
The Manchester United man has not been seen since the 3-1 win over Aston Villa almost six weeks ago because of an ankle injury, which many feared would see him ruled out of the European Championships entirely.
He did miss the opening game against Croatia, but Maguire has now confirmed that he is ready to make his return to the squad and hopes to feature against Scotland.
“I’m available to the manager for selection,” he said (via The Athletic). “I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there.
"Obviously the injury was a setback club-football-wise. Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness, but I feel good. I don’t feel like there is any risk.”
Maguire also confessed that he always believed he would be able to play a significant role at the Euros this summer and hailed Gareth Southgate for keeping his faith in him by selecting him in the squad.
“I’m pretty sure if you spoke to Gareth, he must have been willing to make the selection. But I always told him I felt I would always have a part to play in the camp, whether it’s on the pitch or off the pitch.
“For sure, I always felt within myself that I would be fit at some part of the group stage. I didn’t know when. We are going well, we are on the right path. Every day I get more confidence and it gets stronger.
Another good session in the bank ????????? #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/PWBxUB8kSf
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) June 15, 2021
“I knew the extent of the injury as soon as I got injured, I knew it was going to be pretty serious because it didn’t come from impact or contact, I knew it was a twist straight away so there would be some sort of ligament damage in there.
“Obviously, you fear the worst. I feared missing the Europa League final and then obviously the Euros as well. I managed to make this squad but I wasn’t able to make the Europa League final, but I’m here now and ready to go.”
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Source: 90min
